Special to the Star-Bulletin
Steam artichokes and serve them with a dip of
mayonnaise or butter -- or a fat-free squirt of lemon.

Peak season approaches
for the distinctive artichoke

Artichokes, those many-petaled buds of the thistle family, are a best-buy at 58 cents each at Daiei, through Sunday. In peak season now through May, artichokes offer small amounts of potassium and vitamin A. Look for deep green artichokes that are heavy for their size, with a tight leaf formation.

Other best buys include russet potatoes at 10 pounds for $1.67 at Sack N Save, and 5 pounds for $1.09 at IGH (Independent Grocers of Hawaii) stores; and fresh fish (island ahi tombo, mahimahi and broadbill shutome, plus Atlantic salmon) for $4.99 at Foodland, and $5.99 (island mahimahi) at Star.

Also, Island Fresh Japan cucumbers are a crispy $1.19 a pound at Star while regular cucumbers are 68 and 99 cents at Daiei and Safeway, respectively. Slice cukes into namasu, for tailgating at Saturday's San Diego Padres/St. Louis Cardinals doubleheader.

Cucumber Namasu

(From "Ma Ke 'Ano Kuloko --
Healthy Cooking Island Style" by Project LEAN Hawai'i)

1 whole cucumber (can add or substitute daikon and carrot)
2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped celery
1 to 2 teaspoons grated ginger

Peel cucumber, leaving alternate strips for color. Slice in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into thin slices. Combine vinegar, lemon juice and sugar to dissolve; toss with remaining ingredients. Chill. Serves 4.

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Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 35 calories, no fat, no cholesterol, 4 milligrams sodium.*

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By Catherine Kekoa Enomoto, Star-Bulletin